Team V6 Vandals - Day 1 Finale - “Checking the Competition.”
4:30 AM.
Luke looked around the lobby, watching as the hotel slowly started to become busy again. Outside, they had about 5 inches of snow, give or take an inch, while inside, breakfast was slowly getting started. He folded his projector array back into the compartment it came from, then headed back upstairs.
5 AM.
The alarm clock started beeping quietly at first, then grew increasingly louder, the irritating noise growing in pitch and intensity until Amy glared at the infuriating object. She jabbed the ‘off’ switch, then got up to use the bathroom.
In the other room, Cody and Jake were already awake, and discussing strategic ideas to pass up to Luke for today’s drive.
“So, you’re saying, leave early, get on the road before anyone else does, especially those with cars ill-suited to the conditions? Brilliant. But what about the road conditions?” Cody asked.
“Luke’s from Chicago. He can handle a bit of snow.” Jake responded. Just then, Luke opened the door.
“Yeah, but we’re leaving at 6:30. Gives time for you to eat something for breakfast, gives the plows time to clear the road some, lets me warm up the Truckling and clear the snow from the hood, windshield, roof, and cargo area.” Luke said.
“So much for our grand strategy, he nailed it right away.” Cody said. “Even I’d thought 30 minutes was a good waiting strategy.”
“Says the shit who believed leaving now was good. 30 minutes was my idea!” Jake said, grinning.
5:30 AM.
The V6 Vandals settled at the table for a quick breakfast, and the morning meeting. Amy opened with, “Well, Luke, what do you know about the other teams?”
“Lost two last night. Scandalnavians and X/2000.” Luke started, letting it sink in.
“Significant loss, actually, this early on. Two cars this early is… Well, it’s not unheard of, but that’s significant.” Amy responded. “Please, continue.”
“One of the teams is the YouTube show, Pit Stop US. They broke down in their last run of one of these, but their car was, admittedly, a lemon and a clunker.” Luke said, before continuing. “Team Redneck has a bit of interesting history. Some dirt track successes, lawn-mower racing, a first place in a mud-bog competition a couple years ago. Some references to an illegal road race in Europe, but those tales are so over-exaggerated that it’s hard to tell where truth still exists.”
“So, basically the same shit my brother was in.” Cody said.
“ShardGaming returns again, this time with an extra teammate. And, if my searches were correct last night, they’re here. That OSHL boat in the parking lot, that’s them.” Luke said.
“Still, it can’t be that bad. Early 50’s class.” Jake commented, giving a light smile.
“Well, they named their team Faux Class for a reason… And from what I’ve researched, it has an 11 liter V8.” Luke said.
“Wait, that’s… Hold on, early to do math…” Amy said, giving a look of concentration, only to sigh as Luke said, “Roughly 662 cubic inches. Sinistra Savage territory, just naturally aspirated.”
“Didya find anything else?” Cody asked.
“Not much, no.” Luke said.
With that, the team set about eating their breakfast. “Oh, when are we heading out?” Amy asked.
“I’d like to leave at 6:30. Engine start at 6 AM, so that the Truckling can warm up.” Luke said.
5:45 AM.
Luke got up from the chair and headed outside to clear the snow from the Truckling, then worked around the Truckling to make it easier to get into it. He started the engine, the little 2.7 liter V6 rasping to life and idling quietly as Luke turned the heat on and let the engine, and the cab, warm up. Being polite to the other teams, Luke cleared the snow from around the OSHL and the Contendiente, though left them to clear their own snow from the cars, not wanting to risk damaging their cars.
6:00 AM.
Luke headed back inside, having managed to do his good deed for the day early.
Morale: +5 (+1)
Fatigue: 0 (-13)
Waypoints: 3
Fuel: 2/3 Tank. 1 Fuel Stop.
Notes: Engine warming up. Departure at 6:30 AM.
GET IN! Bill, you drive.